Transform Rockford has inspired so many Rock River Valley citizens to place their faith in action after experiencing many years of hopelessness and despair because of joblessness and mounting social problems. As I sat in the rear of the auditorium of Ellis Arts Academy this past Saturday, I was encouraged to see how many people came out on a snowy, blustery day to show their support for Transform Rockford.

It was an amazing event, showcasing some of Rockford's best talent. Someone said, "There is no way that the city of Rockford could have paid for the countless volunteer hours that have been donated to prepare and execute the last two Transform Rockford events." During the question-and-answer period, citizens cited that in order to transform Rockford, we need more high quality, better paying jobs, better health care for all our children, better education for all children, unity and visionary leadership.

I was astounded by the quality of the questions raised and the ideas that grassroots citizens have about how to transform our region. As we rollout the visioning sites, I encourage all of our grassroot citizens to attend these community input sessions, ask questions, offer suggestions and demand change for all citizens. Afterwards, get involved in the transform process: demand results. I believe in life that we get what we inspect, not expect. No one can afford to sit on the sidelines if one wants to see transformation in Rockford. This is the most important thing that has happened to our region in ages!

Now, we need the leaders of the faith community to engage with and commit to the shared values of Transform Rockford. Thanks to many of our ministers who have already committed to serve as ambassadors of Transform Rockford. As co-lead of the Transform Rockford engagement team, I am inviting all leaders of the Rock River Region houses of faith to attend a clergy-only summit hosted by Tom Gendron (visionary leader and chair of Transform Rockford) and Michael Schablaske (executive director of Transform Rockford). If you cannot attend, send a representative who can speak on your behalf.

This summit will be from 1:30-3 p.m. Jan. 24 at the YMCA Log Lodge located at 200 Y Boulevard on the east bank of the Rock River.

Light refreshments will be served. A Transform Rockford presentation will be given led by Gendron and Schablaske. Faith leaders will be given the opportunity to ask questions and make responses. Gendron stated recently, "Our faith leaders are highly respected and are amongst the most trusted individuals in the community. Can our ministers set the leadership standard in our community regarding cooperation? If they can, they would be a force for good that would be a benchmark for communities across the U.S."

We need Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians and people of all faiths engaged in transformation. Our faith in God is what brings change. As leaders of faith houses, we need to move beyond our theological differences and provide faith in action leadership supporting Transform Rockford. Why? Schablaske said, "Imagine the power to engage many more people and lead the community toward constructive behavior - if the faith community united and held a role of leadership in Transform Rockford."

Page 2 of 2 - Therefore, I am extending a clarion call to all leaders of Rockford's faith community to attend the summit, commit by signatures to the shared values of Transform Rockford, express your opinions and ideas, and rally your congregations to align with you in support of this process. Our followers trust us; they rely on our integrity and wisdom to guide them toward prosperity and peace.

The only reason why the civil rights movement in the '60s broke the chains of Jim Crow segregation laws of the USA was because leaders of all faiths united to support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the beloved community whereby all citizens could experience the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We need bold and courageous leaders of faith houses to put their faith in action: to be proactive visionaries and purveyors of hope. Our politicians and business leaders will join the transformation effort if they see that the faith community is supportive of the process.

The power to change comes from God, not us. As clergy, you speak daily on behalf of God. It is time for your prophetic voices to be heard outside of your pulpits. The citizens have shown that they are poised for transformation as evidenced by more than 2,400 people attending two Transform Rockford events in inclement weather. Now, it is time for all leaders of faith to join the Transform Rockford movement and lead the charge for change.

See you at the YMCA Log Lodge on Jan. 24. Please contact the Rev. Gary Schwerin, executive director of Bridge Ministries, at bridmin@aol.com regarding questions about the Log Lodge facility. For Transform Rockford questions regarding the summit program, please contact Mike Schablaske at mike.schablaske@comcast.net. Let us rise and put our faith into action.

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Board is the senior pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Rockford and an adjunct seminary professor at Northern Seminary in Lombard. He also is a community member of the Rockford Register Star Editorial Board.